BRITAIN’S newest chief constable has revealed he does not dislike criminals.

BRITAIN’S newest chief constable has revealed he does not dislike criminals.

Mike Barton, who is heading up the Durham force, made the admission as he was officially confirmed as the man in charge yesterday.

But he quickly added: “I hate what they do, that is why I am in favour of a restorative justice programme.

“Instead of simply handcuffing them and locking them up, we want to get inside their heads, we want to make them become aware of the consequences of their actions.”

Mr Barton pledged to give victims of crime “more of a voice” and said he would instruct his staff to make sure people were kept up-to-date with any future court proceedings after they had been victims of a crime.

His appointment as Durham Chief Constable – he was the only applicant for the job following the retirement of Jon Stoddart six months ago – was proposed by Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg, and confirmed yesterday by the Durham Police and Crime Panel.

Mr Barton, who has been temporary chief constable since last October since the retirement of Jon Stoddart, moved to Durham from Lancashire Police in 2008, serving first as assistant chief constable then being appointed deputy in 2009.

His police career started in 1980 after he left Newcastle University where he studied law.

He served in uniform and detective roles at most ranks in Lancashire and also led the development of the Sleuth software system for crime logging, intelligence and analysis.

He has led in tackling organised crime through Operation Sledgehammer, using intelligence to break up criminal networks.